Doncaster Rovers: Win ugly mindset is not easy to get into says Wabara

Liam Hoden

Reece Wabara admits it is difficult to get into the ‘win ugly’ mindset at Rovers.

Frustrated after seeing his side drop points from strong positions on several occasions this season, boss Paul Dickov has urged his side to put victory at the top of their priority list, by whatever means necessary.

But full back Wabara says it can be difficult to shake off Rovers’ philosophy of playing attractive, attacking football, even when the situation requires it.

“We do need to start winning ugly but it may be a bit late for that now this season,” Wabara told the Star.

“The manager does advise us to do that but sometimes it can be hard when we’ve got so many good footballers in the team.

“Everyone wants the ball and wants to play nice football, it’s hard to switch the mentality to staying back and winning ugly.

“Against Rochdale we were 1-0 up and the goal we conceded was just too easy. It came from an average cross and the man got on the end of it.”

After being part of a back four that conceded just seven goals in a ten game league run earlier this season, Wabara admits the recent defensive record of 15 goals shipped in the last ten matches is disappointing.

He said: “I can’t put my finger on what’s happened but it’s been far too easy for other teams to score against us recently.

“It’s hard for us to sum it up but it feels that way.

“Maybe it is because we’re such an honest team and I think we sometimes leave ourselves open because we want to go out and play football.”